Monday, December 5, 2011

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Hello again. I am very sorry that I have been absent for a bit, but life sure has a way of keeping you busy, doesn't it?

But before I go on any further with the details, I have to pause and say a huge THANK-YOU to Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage. She featured some of my photos as well as several other gorgeous homes in her latest post, Honorable Mention. Feel free to go check them out.

After the Thanksgiving holiday, I rushed home from our family celebration downstate to decorate for Christmas in time to email several photos for The Cottage of the Month search deadline. Then it was off to Chicago for a little vacation with friends. Back home again now, I can finally show you some of my Christmas decorating. Out with the pumpkins, in with the glitter and garland!

This lighted tree was our Christmas tree from several years ago. All the needles have long since fallen off. I cut it down and spray painted it white, then decorated it with silver and gold glass balls.

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Are you ready for Christmas? Is your tree up and decorated, your garland hung, and your seasonal decor put out? Have you started Christmas shopping? Sometimes it all can seem so overwhelming, but I enjoy every bit of the Christmas preparation. The days are shorter and the nights are cold, yet I love all the cheer. When we were visiting Chicago last week, I couldn't get enough of all the twinking lights everywhere in the streets and storefronts. Even though it is easy to get caught up in it all, we must remember the greatest gift of all is God's Son sent to save us from our sin. And He is the Reason for the Season!

Well, I won't take anymore of your time for now, so go turn up the Christmas music, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, and get busy enjoying this wonderful season!

Holy Moly Maria,I am drooling all over my computer!!!Can you please come to my house and decorate it like yours?!!!You need to give me tips on what I need to get your style. I already told you your style is exactly how I want my home!I was so excited for this post, and you definitely didn't disappoint! :)Have a beautiful day my friend!!Sincerely,Melinda

Maria! Your home is just absolutely GORGEOUS!!! Love all the holiday decor and vintage items scattered throughout!!! I am in love with all the lovelies & eye candy in there!!! Come to my house & decorate please! :) And congrats on being featured as one of the honorable mentions @The Old Painted Cottage {really, yours could have been the main feature!}! :) Hugs & Happy Holidays, my dear!

Hi Maria - I was sitting here tonight paging through my new issue of RH, and my eyes fell on your feature in there AND your grain sacks. Since I'm obsessed with grain sacks, I just had to log on to check out your beautiful blog! We share ALOT of the same loves and treasures. I adore your home and will definitely be spending alot of time visiting here! (I pinned a few of your gorgeous photos....) I live in a Michigan farmhouse, too. Where abouts are you?

Maria -- I just can't stand it!! Your house is over the top beautiful and I am pinning just about the entire post to my Christmas decorating board! I love all of the vintage ornaments and the fact that you saved your old tree and painted it! Genius!! Just love it all!!

Hello... I am partying also with Patti and Paula at Ivy and Elephants... your home looks just stunning... I love how you have displayed your vintage ornaments here and there... Merry Christmas to you!... xoxo Julie Marie

Your display is amazing. So many stunning decorations. Love it all. Thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas. I have joined your followers list and would love to have you join me as well. Hugs, Gaylehttp://atastefultouch.blogspot.com

Hello Maria,I have been collecting for a long time and am amazed at all the treasures you have gathered while you are still so young! You are very talented at arranging your things and I have enjoyed my visit here! Your farmhouse is a beautiful place!Enjoy the Christmas season...you surely have the perfect setting! :)

Hi Maria! I just found your blog through Pinterest! I am so happy to find you! I must say I have spent quite a bit of time looking through your posts. Your photos are wonderful! You take the kind of pics I have always wanted to, but have not yet been able to achieve!You are going in blogroll now!!!Merry Christmas!

You're ready for a magazine shoot! I'm glad you came for a visit earlier because finding your blog is such a treat! I'm your newest follower and would love for you to return the "LOVE" on your next visit!

XO, Aimee from ItsOverflowing!

PS I'm having my first linky party on 12/13. It will be "Christmas Scape" themed, tablescape ~ landscape or anywhere else in you home that you've added a touch of Christmas! I'd LOVE for you to link up! My blog is http://www.itsoverflowing.com/.

I just came over from Melinda's and am so happy that I did! Your home is absolutely beautiful! I haven't really even started our decorating, just the advent calendar, and you have just given me a wealth of inspiration! I am your newest follower... t.xooxox

Hi Maria! I just found you in blog land and love your style. Because of you I had to do some tweeking around the house, you gave me so much inspiration. And I need(want) that Montana trophy!!!Why did I get rid of my vintage grain scoops?! It's so nice to meet you~xoxo~SueBee

With the amount of treasures you have you have been collecting a long time so I don't see how you could copy someone else. I believe we are all here for inspiration to each other. I guess some people are just jealous!!

Good morning...what a wonderful home and talent you have...I'm a new follower and look forward visiting your blog often!!...come on over for a visit too...in the middle of a kitchen reno...I know crazy to do this now...lol...Happy decorating, Mariaelena

I came by yesterday, but wasn't able to leave you a comment...your items in your home are so amazing! that photograph of the bedroom is magazine worthy...love love the style you have going on here!!Merry Christmas-Anne Marie

Maria, your blog is so beautiful! I am so thrilled that you came over to say hello so that I could find it! I am now following along (I follow in google reader and not friend connect, but please know that I am here and a follower!)What beautiful Christmas images!! I absolutely love your home!! Thank you so much for sharing!Blessings to you and your family this Christmas,Courtney

Your home is so beautiful. I am drooling over everything you have! Your newest follower! Would love love love for you to share this at our party going on now http://space46.blogspot.com/2011/12/co-hosting-pinteresting-link-party-week.html. Happy holiday!

Seeing your beautiful decorations makes me want to start all over and copy you. I have a lot of the same collectables (antiques) as you do, but did not use them as nicely as you did. Love how you have used them.Blessings,happy new Year.Audrey Z.Timeless Treasures

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About Me

Where shall I begin about myself? I love all things decorating, gardening, antiques, linens, flea markets...let's just say if it's old and vintage, I love it! I am married to my wonderful husband, Karl, who tolerates my obsessions with all these things, although I have to admit some days he is more tolerant than others! I am blessed to live in a hundred year old farm house in northern (lower) Michigan. It has many things that might merit complaint but I call it character and charm. This being said, I want to share with you a little of my passion for decorating and everything else that makes me tick. Thank-you for stopping by...Please feel welcome to come back again,
Maria